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SUVMWA looks to the future |
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Rich Harris - SPANISH FORK PRESS
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The South Utah Valley Municipal Water Association (SUVMWA) has taken two big steps to insure efficient water management for future growth. The association commissioned two studies on wastewater management for south Utah County.
The studies laid out tentative lines and a 239.7 acre target area for a centralized treatment plant. That area has been appraised and has been recommended for acquisition by Aqua Engineering. Spanish Fork Councilman Wayne Andersen proudly explained that the association has received a five million dollar loan from "the clean water people" at an interest rate of 2.4 percent for the purchase. The loan will be repaid over a period of 10 years. Funds for repayment will come from member cities, based on their population. Congressman Chris Cannon recently met with the association and is seeking funds to begin installation of pipelines.
Reuse of sewage effluent from the Spanish Fork treatment plant for irrigation or secondary sewage systems is not possible. Andersen explained that Spanish Fork is required to release water into Utah Lake and the water available is treated sewage affluent.
Another challenge is the removal of trace amounts of medications from the sewage. Although the water is clean and bacterial counts are not a concern, economic removal of trace amounts of chemicals and medications is beyond current technology.
Although Spanish Fork and other cities in the association have the latest technology in their plants, existing treatment capacity will limit new hookups within a few years. Fiscal and environmental concerns make one centralized treatment plant very attractive when compared to enlarging several individual plants and systems. Early land purchase and infrastructure construction will likely save significant amounts when compared to likely costs when the plant will be needed - about 2020. |
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